Bests & Worsts Reviews from Amazon

I was unsure if including former Pres. Bill Clinton in the credits as co-author was anything more than a publicity stunt. I also knew the book would get a lot of negative reviews, and positive reviews, for no reason other than his name. Still, I decided to get “The President Is Missing” and to give it a fair read. Before getting into this review, please know that I am a Democrat. Despite that, I am going to tell you what I liked about this latest offering from Patterson, and what I did not like. The opening is far better than I feared. Perhaps it is because it is written in first person POV. Maybe it is something the current occupant of the White House could have said. At any rate, the opening grabbed me fully and, despite the occasional stereotypical statement that felt a little worn, I found myself glued to the book. In reflection, the writing in this story is crisp and more fun than Patterson’s most recent novel, “Princess: A Private Novel.” Oh, and by the way, I read it while listening to part of it, as I also bought the audible version. Yes, I know the description indicates it is in German, the copy I got is in English, narrated by Dennis Quaid, and others. I’m going to presume that most of the book actually is written by James Patterson. I cannot, however, distinguish between Patterson and Clinton, in terms of the writing. Had it not billed Clinton as co-author, I probably would still have purchased this book, as I am a fan of this most prolific writer. BLUSH FACTOR: Although there is a sprinkling of mild cussing, there are no profanities. EXCERPT ‘…hitting the fan, you’re the guy I want in charge.” I let out air, nod my head. “Hey.” Danny gets up from his chair and sits down next to me on the couch. He lightly punches my knee. “Being in charge isn’t being alone. I’m right here. Same place I’ve always been, no matter what your title is. Same place I’ll always be.” “Yeah, I—I know.” I look at him. “I know that.” “This isn’t about the impeachment [expletive deleted], is it? Because that’ll work itself out. Lester Rhodes? That boy’s so dumb he couldn’t pour piss out of a boot if the directions were on the bottom.” He’s pulling out all the stops, dusting off another of Mama Lil’s greatest hits. He’s trying to take me back to her, to her strength. After Daddy died, she cracked the whip as hard as any drill sergeant I’d later meet, smacking me in the head if she heard a double negative or an ain’t, telling me I’d go to college or she’d tan my hide. She’d go to work early and come home in the afternoon with two Styrofoam cartons of food that would be dinner for Danny and me. I’d rub her feet while she checked our homework and interrogated us about our day at school. She always said, You boys aren’t rich enough to afford not to pay attention. “It’s that other thing, isn’t it?” says Danny. “That thing that you can’t tell me, that’s had you canceling half your schedule for the last two weeks? The reason that you’ve suddenly become so interested in martial law and habeas corpus and price controls? Whatever it is that’s kept you quiet as falling snow about Suliman Cindoruk and Algeria while Lester Rhodes beats the snot out of you?” “Yeah,” I say. “It’s that thing.” “Yeah.” Danny clears his throat, drums his fingers. “Scale of 1 to 10,” he says. “How bad?” “A thousand.” “Jesus. And you have to go off leash? I gotta tell you, that sounds like a terrible idea.” It just might be. But it’s the best one I have. “You’re scared,” he says. “Yeah. Yeah, I am.” We are quiet for a long moment. “You know when the last time was I saw you this scared?” “When Ohio put me over 270 electoral votes?” “No.” “When I found out Bravo Company was deploying?” “No, sir.” I look at him. “When we were getting off that…’ Patterson, James. The President Is Missing: A Novel (Kindle Locations 842-863). Little, Brown and Company. Kindle Edition. BOTTOM LINE Great writing? No, this is not great writing. But it sure is a fun, easy read. It’s also terrific on Audible, so consider getting the audio format so you can listen while driving. I should note that I listened only to, say, 10% in Audible. I do intend to listen to it fully with my wife during our upcoming trip to Texas. Did this review answer most of your questions and concerns? I encourage you to leave a comment below to help me provide reviews that work for you. Further, I am writing a book for aspiring reviewers and for product suppliers seeking reviews in an effort to help improve the process and to understand the value of Amazon’s Customer Review process. Together, you and I can build something great. Will you join me? One request: Be respectful and courteous in your comments and emails to me. I will do likewise with you. Thank you.